Experts: more sleep is an answer to type 2 diabetes and obesity

Increasing evidence points to a link between poor sleep and common metabolic disorders, according to a new research review.

Often sleep loss is a lifestyle issue, caused by the fast pace of modern living and the use of portable computers and gaming devices, it is claimed.

Loading article content

Disruption of the body's natural sleeping and waking cycle by shift work is also associated with chronic illness and early death, the German and Swiss authors point out.

Experimental studies are starting to show a direct causal link between sleep loss and the body's ability to metabolise sugar, control food intake, and maintain energy balance, they argue in an article for the journal The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.

The scientists, led by Professor Bernd Shultes, from the eSwiss Medical and Surgical Centre in St Gallen, conclude: "These findings open up new strategies for targeted interventions aimed at the present epidemic of the metabolic syndrome and related diseases.

Share article

"Ongoing and future studies will show whether interventions to improve sleep duration and quality can prevent or even reverse adverse metabolic traits.

"Meanwhile, on the basis of existing evidence, health care professionals can be safely recommended to motivate their patients to enjoy sufficient sleep at the right time of day."

Promoted Stories

Comments & Moderation

We moderate all comments on Herald Scotland on either a pre-moderated or post-moderated basis. If you're a relatively new user then your comments will be reviewed before publication and if we know you well and trust you then your comments will be subject to moderation only if other users or the moderators believe you've broken the rules

Our Colleagues

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standardards Organisations's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a compaint about editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here